Abstract:
This study tests the convergence in electricity consumption per capita among selected
West African countries participating in the integration of their electricity market under the
West African Power Pool (WAPP) initiative over the time period of 1971 -2014. This study is
significant as it helps clarify a concern within the area of energy economics; that is, whether
cross-sectional differences in electricity-related measures across countries shrink over time.
An answer to this would further help understand how electricity intensity tends to increase in
countries that have relatively low electricity intensity for their low-income level. To this end,
the study applies panel unit root tests. The results indicate that the per capita electricity
consumption is not converging for the selected countries. The findings suggest that the goals
of the WAPP initiative have not improved electrification access. Therefore, policymakers
need to reassess the programme in order to ensure that its objectives are achieved.
